Highlights
- Comprehensive older restoration
- Fitted with later Cologne 2.8 fuel injected V6
- Rare find in this condition
- Two registered keepers from new
- Interesting history file
The Appeal
Britain’s took Europe’s Mustang to its heart. Perhaps it was The Professionals or maybe it was Arthur Daley’s mate Terry. But through three generations we kept buying Ford’s simple, no-nonsense rear-drive hoon-machine long after other markets had moved on.
The wide range of engines certainly helped. Enthusiasts learnt to spot the small tell-tale signs indicating the big-engined Essex and Cologne V6s, cars that were as much long-legged GT as nimble sports car.
This 1973 Mk1 leans into that secrecy club. It began life as an Essex-engined 3litre. In the mid 1980s it was professionally upgraded to the Cologne 2.8litre fuel injected V6 as part of a comprehensive bodywork, interior, electricals and suspension restoration. It is also fitted with the later 5spd manual gearbox.
That work has held up very well thanks to sparing use in the subsequent 40 years. Today there is little to suggest the secret under the bonnet. The exterior is finished to factory-correct 3000GXL specification, right down to the badges. It looks particularly smart in white with period vinyl roof and chromed steel wheels, while inside there is a retrimmed grey leather interior.
A fascinating history file documents the older work as well as the car’s relationship with its two long term keepers. This is a really lovely early Capri in great condition - with the advantage of 160bhp fuel injected running gear.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 3rd July 1973
- Two registered keepers
- VIN confirms this car was built at Halewood in July 1973
- Current keeper since 22nd September 2013
- Older invoices from 1980s documenting comprehensive restoration completed by John Timms
- Work covered body, paint, suspension, brakes, electrics and retrim
- 2.8litre EFI V6 Cologne engine installed at the same time
- Further invoices from around 8 years ago
- Newspaper article referencing car from 1986
- 2 keys
- Folder of history with photographs of the car
- Handbooks and leather wallet
- Spares included as shown in photographs
- Last MOT expired 20th June 2018 with 35,597 miles showing and no advisories
- Now showing 35,777 miles
- MOT history indicates very sparing use since 2006
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as a Historic Vehicle
The Condition
- Resprayed in original white in mid 1980s which has held up well due to limited use
- Some localised areas signs of age to note in photos but these are minor
- Factory standard 3litre GXL exterior trim including badging
- Black vinyl roof is factory correct and appears to be in good order
- Bodywork is straight and tidy with good fittings and trim
- Sits on correct chromed steel wheels in good order with matching spare
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on last MOT
- Retrimmed interior in grey leather including centre console and matching vinyl door cards
- Interior fittings are very well kept with barely any signs of age or wear
- Grey carpets and light grey headlining, both in good order including sunroof panel
- Dashboard updated to later Mk3 aesthetics with grey vinyl in good order
- The dashboard vinyl is very lightly lifting in some areas but not unsightly
- Fitted with a period-correct Ford-branded radio
- Sunroof model with tilt and slide steel unit
- Fitted with electric windows and auxiliary clock below dashboard
The Mechanics
- 2.8litre Cologne fuel injected V6 engine fitted in 1985
- Upgraded to 5spd manual gearbox
- Suspension, brakes and electrics overhauled during 1980s restoration
- Car has covered very few miles since this work was completed
- Good history file documenting work back to the 1980s
- No reported running or driving issues
- 200 miles covered since last MOT which had no mechanical advisories
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
